11. Coopers Beach - Long Island
Photo © Linda Tagliaferro
Located on Long Island's South Shore, Coopers Beach can often be seen on "Best Beach" lists.
Beach Address: Cooper Neck Rd. Southampton, NY 11968 631-283-6011
Parking permit required in summer season
12. Jones Beach State Park - Long Island
Photo © Linda Tagliaferro
One of the most famous New York area beaches, Jones Beach has six-miles of ocean beach and a Boardwalk. Just about all the beach amenities you'd want are available, including lockers, chairs, a swimming pool, as well as mini-golf, shuffleboard and more. The Jones Beach amphitheater hosts concerts throughout the summer.
Beach Address: Ocean Parkway Wantagh, NY 11793 (516)785-1600
Directions to Beach from NYC:
Parking fees: $8-10/day
13. Long Beach - Long Island
Photo © Linda Tagliaferro
This beach is a personal favorite of mine. There is ample free parking along the beach and it's easily accessible by train. There is a $12 charge to access the beach for adults and children 13 and over, but Boardwalk access is free and in my opinion, the clean beach and soft sand are well worth the price.
Train to Long Beach: Long Island Railroad to Long Beach Station
14. Main Beach - Long Island
Photo © Linda Tagliaferro
This East Hampton beach often makes "Best Beach" lists making it very popular. Non-resident permits are not easy to come by, so make sure to apply early in the season if you want to spend time at Main Beach.
Beach Address: Ocean Avenue, East Hampton, NY 11937 (631)283-601
15. Robert Moses State Park - Long Island
Long Island Babylon, NY 11072 (631) 669-0470
Hours: Open Year-Round, Sunrise to Sunset
Directions: 48 miles from Manhattan, via Southern State Parkway to Robert Moses Causeway (exit 40), south to Park at western end of Fire Island
16. Orient Beach State Park
Orient, NY 11957 (631) 323-2440
Hours: Sunrise to sunset.
Swimming season opens in late June and continues to early September.
Directions: 118 miles from Manhattan on the north shore via Long Island Expressway (Route 495) east to the end, then Route 25 east to the Park.

